An experimental study to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of moringa oleifera leaves in animal models

Abstract

Background: Inflammatory diseases are a major cause of morbidity and disability of work force throughout the world. The treatment of inflammation with standard steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs shares the risk of toxicity on various organ systems. Moringa oleifera, an herbal plant has been claimed to be effective in the treatment of various types of inflammatory conditions. However, there is lack of scientific studies to ratify these claims. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to explore the anti-inflammatory activity of aqueous extract of leaves of Moringa oleifera (AEMO) in experimentally induced inflammation in albino rats.Methods: The study was commenced after obtaining approval from Institutional Animal Ethical Committee using AEMO leaves in Albino wistar rats (150-200 gm) of either sex. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using carrageenan induced paw edema model, cotton pellet induced granuloma method and formaldehyde induced paw edema method. For each set of experiment, animals were divided in three groups of six animals each. In each experiment, 1st group was given normal saline (5 ml/kg/day), 2nd group was given standard anti-inflammatory drug dexamethasone (0.5 mg/kg/day) and 3rd group was given Moringa oleifera (200 mg/kg/day).Results: Aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves at dose of 200 mg/kg, p.o. exhibited the significant anti-inflammatory effect in all the models used in this study.Conclusions: It can be concluded from our study that aqueous extracts of Moringa oleifera leaves possess anti-inflammatory activity.

Recent Advances in Drumstick (Moringa oleifera) Leaves Bioactive Compounds: Composition, Health Benefits, Bioaccessibility, and Dietary Applications

“…The various active constituents present in the aqueous extract are responsible for inhibiting monocyte infiltration and fibroblast proliferation, which causes an anti-inflammatory effect. Pro-inflammatory cytokines produced by active monocytes trigger the TNF-α to enhance the inflammation of the cells by increasing endothelial cell adhesion of the neutrophils and lymphocytes [ 135 ]. Sharma and Singh [ 62 ] reported that 95% ethanolic leaf extract inhibits oedema development in carrageenan-induced paw oedema in albino mice at a dose of 1000 mg/kg body weight and reduces it by 79% after 5 h compared to the standard drug diclofenac sodium.…”

“…Moringa extract showed comparable results with 25.19% and 47.18% inhibition of carrageenan- and formaldehyde-induced paw oedema, respectively, and 41.48% inhibition of cotton pellet induced granuloma as compared to dexamethasone with 28.64%, 54.45%, and 58.71% inhibition. The presence of several active secondary metabolites and the release of mediators in all phases could be a possible reason for such anti-inflammatory action [ 135 ].…”

Moringa oleifera treatment increases Tbet expression in CD4+ T cells and remediates immune defects of malnutrition in Plasmodium chabaudi-infected mice

“…Moringa has long been suggested to possess some anti-inflammatory properties [11] and murine studies using Moringa leaves have shown a significant reduction in experimentally induced inflammation [40]. The immune response to malaria is characterized by a robust Th1 inflammatory response [41].…”

“…A biochemical safety study on the micro and macronutrients present in Moringa was performed by Asiedu-Gyekye and colleagues using an in vivo murine model [47]. In their studies to access the macromolecules, they treated mice with a subacute single dose of 5000 mg/ kg and a range of 0 mg/kg to 1000 mg/kg (40,80,200, and 1000 mg/kg) for 14 days. White blood cell counts increased by 52.5% compared to controls in their single high dose as well as in their 40 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg dosages [47].…”

Drumstick (Moringa oleifera): A Miracle Tree for its Nutritional and Pharmaceutic Properties

“…Aqueous extracts of Moringa oleifera leaves possess anti-inflammatory activity. [33] The phytochemicals like phenolic acids and flavanols present in Moringa are associated with its anti-inflammatory effect. [30,42] Anticancer Activity Moringa can be used as an anticancer agent as it is natural, reliable and safe, at established concentrations.…”